Peek-a-Boo

Thought I would stop in for a quick "hello" just to let you know Im still here:) Im still adjusting to my new job and hours (this not getting home till 7 at night is killing me.) So theres my NEW excuse for being non existent. The job itself is, well, horrible. There, I said it. I hate it. But why would that be a surprise? Its a call center job, I take calls from irate customers upset about their bill, and then Im expected to sell products to them. Right. I work for Qwest and the call center really is better than any other Ive worked in and the pay is awesome and so are the health benefits. But why shouldnt they be? Putting up with the crap I do every day, I deserve a raise! Bad attitude Jeannette, I know I should be grateful to even have a job so Im still working on it.
As for James he is getting close to being done with school! YAY! He only has 5 more semesters which normally would be 2 and a half more years, but he is applying to do the fast-track program which means going year round so he'll get done a whole year sooner. Which I of course am all about cause that just means I get to switch jobs sooner to be being a Mommy. Some other good news in James' department is he got a job working on campus at the Health Center, which couldnt be more perfect being his major is in Health Care Administration and he gets to work around his school schedule! So pretty much we wont be seeing each other much this next year and a half. (sigh)
Doc is doing wonderfully. James and I love him dearly and dont know what we would do without him.
I suppose thats it for now. Im finally coming out of a migraine so I better not stare at this computer too much longer or else it will come back. But hopefully I will come out of this slump and update this thing with pictures cause theres so much to share! Where does the time go...

Time for a Change

When I first started this blog it was simply for updates on my life, more along the lines of a family journal. I still want to keep it that way, but with a little spice and individuality. Being as James isn't a contributor (he didn't even  know I was doing this till about 5 months into it) and doesn't have any real part in it other than being mentioned here and there, I felt it just wasn't fair that he should have rights to the name of it. Selfish old me I guess:) But he is my husband, the love of my life. So I have simply changed the name of the blog to The Life and Creations of Jeannette, a place where I share both life and my creations. I have had so much fun sharing my life on here, and the things I have created. And along the way meeting new people and them enjoying what I do as well, what can be better than that?! So, the time has come for change. I will also be changing the blog address as well, so be aware of that as well. 
Now, for an update:
James is back from Missouri! I spent 2 1/2 weeks separated from him while he traveled back home for his friends wedding. I told him this is the last time he leaves me all by myself for that long! Not gonna have it. He starts school back up in April, so I'm looking forward to that. In the meantime he spends his time snowboarding, working on cars, playing with Doccers, and being lazy. He'll never admit to it but we both know better:)
I started my new job on Feb. 22nd and so far so good. I have some interesting co workers and an awesome trainer. Some awesome perks: free popcorn & hot chocolate! How sweet is that? Benefits kick in on the 23rd, a blessed day. April will be the month of doctor visits, never would have thought I would look forward to them so much! Welcome to adulthood I guess.
We have settled into our new place quite nicely, we have TONS of space and love it. James has his massive garage and I still get to have a spacious closet, even if it still is in the other bedroom. And our bedroom is huge! I can walk around our bed without stubbing my toes or having to suck in my stomach. Theres even enough space on my side for a chair, a rocking chair to be exact. That was even James idea, how cute is that?  The time is getting closer, I had a dream the other we had a baby girl and we named her Alice, and when I asked James if he liked the name he said its okay...ITS OKAY! That's a huge stepping stone for us, usually its, "No way" or gives me a weird face as if to say "Are you crazy?!" So "Its okay" totally works for me.

My next post will be so much fun, Im actually really looking forward to it. It goes along with my Wardrobe Challenge so I can at least say Ive been working on it. Gosh Im such a slacker! And just so you know Ive totally given up on the first week of it. I keep saying I will post about it, but lets just face the facts, it aint never gonna happen. The sweater I ended up not liking is in a garbage back amongst other abandoned articles of clothing awaiting their departure to the DI. Well, either DI or this awesome new store I just heard about in SLC where you can exchange your old clothes for something in the store or for store credit. I thought that was pretty sweet, so we'll see.

I'm off to get ready for the day and looking forward to dinner with a friend and an old missionary who taught me back in the day (Elder Ben Loveland to be exact, anyone remember him? He lives right next to my friend, how cool is that?!!) And yes it is 3:30 in the afternoon...I love lazy Saturday afternoons.

FINALLY!

Thanks to my wonderful friend, Melese, my blog is fixed and back to normal! I was just making things more complicated than they actually were (all I was trying to do was change the font and color of the post title, theres a tutorial here on how to do it). But finally it is done, thank you my dear Melese!!!

P.S. I figured out the signature all on my own! Go me:)

Under Construction

I am trying to do some updating and editing to the blog and it is not working like it should! UGH! So dont mind the hideousness that it is right now, hopefully I can get it figured out soon enough. Till then I will be pulling my hair out...

Wardrobe Challenge: Day ????

Well so much for keeping track & up to date on this Wardrobe Challenge of mine! The move was a big hiccup in it, but I've had some time on my hands recently so its back to the grind, or something like it. I recently came upon a scarf I HAD have. I love the color and the antique feel to it. Well I've been cheating and not sticking to the items of clothing I've set aside to wear for the Challenge, (the move has not allowed me to do so) but finally got back with the program today. I brought my new scarf together with a Downeast shirt I haven't worn in forever. And I mean, FOREVER! Im not a pink person and this one is pretty close to it, its more of a peachy/coral tone, but dont be deceived by the picture, its NOT pink! But because of the closeness it keeps me from wearing it (back in college FOREVER ago when I bought it I loved it, but tastes and styles always change.) Well, without further ado, heres the outfit!The gray cardigan is probably my favorite piece of my whole wardrobe. It goes with everything, makes something so simple look great, and is uber comfortable. Overall, I loved the outcome. I felt like all the colors worked together and at the end of the day I finally felt good about my pinkish shirt. So, I'm keeping it...contingent upon me actually wearing it again in a reasonable amount of time of course.
I still haven't posted about my first week of the Challenge, hopefully coming soon.

Look at what I've been up to!

I always have something in my way of updating this blog, this time around it being a move back to Idaho Falls. And man oh man, its finally done! I found a job, not an ideal one, but one that pays real good and has health insurance, good health insurance people! Its been 6 months since I had any, and even then I only had it for a month. I have a potential medical problem that could affect me in a big way and have desperately needed to go to the doctors but didnt have the money for it, and am sooo glad to finally be able to get it hopefully taken care of. But enough of this serious stuff, I have something fun to share! Back in Missouri I tried starting jewelery making but never had time to really get into it with all the house remodeling. But since Ive moved to laid back good ol' Idaho, I have had SO much fun with it! And I have some pictures to prove it. I took advantage of a beautiful day and the awesome snow left on the trees to showcase what Ive done, I think they turned out pretty cool. Well, enough chit chat, here they are:(this one's my favorite. not the earings, but the shot.)

I haven't decided which piece of jewelery is my favorite just yet, but I discovered a bead store that I have totally fallen in LOVE with, Pandora's Bubbles and Beads from which I found some stones I know are going to make my new favorite piece. I walked in today just to take a look, and walked out with some jade stones that are gorgeous, Im so excited to make a necklace and earings out of em! Whats so neat about the store is the owner travels all over the world and brings back the most beautiful beads and stones. Its going to be my new play ground that I know I will be spending way too much time at, but everyone needs an outlet and I have certainly found mine.
Well, that does it for now. As for an update on my Wardrobe Challenge, the move has put a halt on it temporarily, but I have been able to get rid of a sweater, not officially yet. I have a fun idea on just how to get rid of it. It will involve people who read this, whoever you are. Speaking of which, someone who did read my last post is none other than someone who's blog I am following, Elaine from Clothed Much!! I was so stoked!! She pretty much has the most awesome fashion sense and look forward to each and every outfit she puts together. You definitely should check her out, she's pretty much amazing.
So, I will be updating on the awesome Wardrobe Challenge, so keep a look out, if you want to:)
Now Im off to go make some real food for the first time since moving. Nothing like some homemade Pizza to fill our food craving tummy's!

Wardrobe Challenge- Day 1

Ok, so I was going to blog about losing my job, but didnt. Too depressing, must blog about something fun and exciting. Like my new Wardrobe Challenge!! The husband and I were driving back from Utah, which is awesome thinking time for me, and during this thinking time thought about how my sister had asked me to go through her closet with her and get rid of some stuff. When she had asked me about a specific shirt, I suggested that by the end of this coming summer, if it hasnt been worn to get rid of it, and to set aside all those pieces of clothing that she wasnt sure about as well. Upon thinking further about that suggestion, I realized I should do the same...with a twist. (the sifted through closet of shirts) I just recently went through my closet and got rid of some, but am still struggling with some others that I havent worn in a while. So, were now onto the Challenge-- I went through the closet, pulled out all the shirts I havent worn in a while, hung them on a separate rod, and heres the kicker: I HAVE to wear all those articles of clothing until theyre all gone, NO EXCEPTIONS. If I struggle wearing it, then I get rid of it. If I hate it by the end of the day, I get rid of it.(these are the shirts at task) I am very much looking forward to this Challenge, as it will force me to be more creative with what I have and have fun while doing it. The only problem is, now that I dont have a job I have a harder time motivating myself to get "dressed up". But I have to, even if it is just for my husband and little Doccers whom I both love. :) So heres looking forward to something new to look forward to and starting fresh. I encourage any and all to do the same!

Finally!

I have been looking everywhere for this wonderful pasta! Ok, maybe not everywhere, but all the wrong places like Walmart and WindCo. How silly of me to think these convenient stores would have what I'm looking for?! Its been decided though, from now on my grocery store of choice is...Albertsons. They have had so far 5 things I cant find anywhere else. In Rexburg at least, and we all know how limited our choices are here. But I digress...I found my pasta! If you haven't ever been to Noodles & Co. and had there Pesto Cavatappi, you have to! Well a recipe I found isn't this delicious one, but an equally yummy (Im guessing, haven't made it yet) dish that calls for the Cavatappi noodles. Im so excited to make it tomorrow, I will let you know how it turns out. Till then, lets all bask in the beauty of these noodles...yeah, I know, Ive got way too much time on my hands these days...oh yeah, I forgot...I haven't mentioned I got fired...eh, that's a post for tomorrow.

Its Your Life

This is the moment
It’s on the line
Which way you gonna fall?
In the middle between
Wrong and right
But you know after all

It’s your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It’s an open door
It’s your life

Are you who you always said you would be?
With a sinking feeling in your chest
Always waiting for someone else to fix you
Tell me when did you forget

It’s your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It’s an open door
It’s your life

To live the way that you believe
This is your opportunity
To let your life be one that lights the way

It’s your life
What you gonna do?
The world is watching you
Every day the choices you make
Say what you are and who
Your heart beats for
It’s an open door
It’s your life

These are the words to song that plays first thing on here. Its by a singer that I have come to love and respect. I found her through a radio station my friend Nicole introduced me to, that has become the one and only station I listen to now. Its Air 1 radio, a positive alternative music station that plays christian pop/rock/alternative. Ive found now several different artists that Ive come to love. Basically, it comes down to finding music that not only sounds good that you can tap your foot to and sing along with, but feel good listening to knowing theres actually a good message behind it. This song in particular has a great message that I love singing to, especially in my car with windows down driving down an old country road. I need the warm sun back so I can do that again. Hope you enjoy her music as much as I do.
note: if you like her music, you'll also like Brooke Fraser who's also on my music playlist.

Content

I love Sundays. I had to teach in Relief Society today and I loved the lesson. I love the new manual, Gospel Principles. Getting back to basics. I love my ward and all the wonderful people in it. I love having a day to relax and not have to think about anything but the Lord and and feel of the Spirit. I love my dog, he makes me so happy. I love my husband who can be so sweet. I love my friends and family. Im just full of so much LOVE right now, and I love it, which makes me completely content.

Perfection

I found a recipe I LOVE. And not just me, James too! Its from my 30 minute meals by Pampered Chef. Its simple, easy & delicious. Well, I thought it was so good I had to share. So here ya go!

Toasted Angel Hair with Sausage & Peppers

1 lb bulk hot Italian sausage
2 medium red bell peppers
1 lb uncooked angel hair pasta
3 garlic cloves, pressed
5 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup fresh basil
1 oz Parmesan

1. Place sausage in skillet and cook; remove from skillet and set aside.
2. As sausage cooks, slice off tops and bottoms of bell peppers; remove seeds and cut into julienne strips.
3. Add pasta to skillet and toast 8-10 minutes, stirring after each 2-minute interval with tongs. Press garlic over pasta and add broth, all of the peppers and sausage. Bring to boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer vigorously 5-6 minutes or until pasta is tender.
4. As pasta simmers, chop basil reserving half for garnish. When pasta is tender, remove from heat and stir in remaining basil.
5. To serve, divide pasta mixture among serving bowls; grate cheese over pasta. Garnish with remaining basil.

note: I use chicken bouillon cubes, you get way more for your money. I also didnt have fresh basil so I just used dried basil. And when toasting the pasta, make sure to do it in the same pan you cooked the sausage, it imports the wonderful sausage flavor to the pasta. Oh yeah, for leftovers James added soy sauce to it, SO GOOD!

Just a little somethin...

Hello again. Im really good at life getting away from me, and in turn I forget about the things that I do so enjoy, like blogging. I really have enjoyed sharing my life on here, its my new technological journal, I LOVE it! So while I have some time this morning Ill catch up just a little.
Since weve moved to Rexburg a lot has changed. My job unfortunately has been the big one, but not in a good way. Its gone down hill, theyve cut my hours and am now on the job hunt again. Ugh. Our apartment has been miserable as well, we hear every footstep and theyre blazing music at all hours. Ugh. But luckily weve found another place that even has a garage for all James toys and will be moving there as soon as they move out in a couple months. On the brighter side of things I got a calling as the second Sunday Relief Society teacher and love it. Ive only taught once so far which was this past Sunday and it went so well thanks to the Spirit. James is doing really well in school and is looking forward to the semester being over this week and finals being done. He is also on the job hunt and hopfully will find something soon. And Doc is as cute as ever, we love him more every day. Well, I think thats it for now. Im off to go get ready for work, yay.